‘Emotional’ Salah will regret comments but Liverpool ‘need’ him back – Gerrard
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Liverpool captain Van Dijk has since downplayed Salah’s comments and stressed his desire for the winger to stay at the club.
“We all know what’s going on, but I think the outside world makes it what it is, bigger than ever.
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Salah is a ‘very clever man’, interview was not ‘naive’ – McCoist
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“We just have to deal with the fact that we had a big game tonight, that everyone had to be ready for, and we have another big game at the weekend. Whatever happens, we’ll see. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Salah will join up with Egypt to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, meaning his return to Merseyside in January will coincide with the winter transfer window.
Asked if he had spoken to Salah since Saturday, the Reds captain replied: “Of course I spoke to him. (What I said is) none of anyone’s business.
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“Of course. I’ve been with Mo for such a long time. He’s been a big part of my success that I’ve had at the club. He’s a big part of the club’s success, I’m a big part of his success. We’ve all been doing it together at Liverpool.
“The reality is that he’s going away on the weekend. Hopefully he has an amazing Africa Cup of Nations. In the meantime. I have no idea what will happen.
“(I hope he returns to play for Liverpool) 100%. But I’m not a decision-maker here. It’s a decision between the club and Mo.
“Whatever happens, we are friends. We’ve been through highs and lows. Let’s see. Let’s see what it brings.”
Slot clarifies Salah comments
Ahead of kick-off on Tuesday, Slot was asked by Netherlands legend Clarence Seedorf about the prospect of Salah apologising to him, with the Reds boss coy in his response.
However, in the subsequent press conference, Slot added: “I’m happy that you asked that question because Clarence said that in his opinion.
“I said, ‘Yeah, that’s your opinion’. So I didn’t say anything about that – who (Slot or Salah) should make the first step, or whatever.
“It was his opinion, so I’m happy that I can clarify that the headlines tomorrow are not what I’ve said, it was his opinion.”
Slot added: “Where I stand is that tonight it should be all about the players that are here.
“In the rich history Liverpool has, they’ve had many of these evenings, but after the season we are in, I think if you have an away game in this stadium against such a strong team, then it should be about the midfield, or about Ibu (Ibrahima Konate) or about the ones that are here – they deserve all the credit.”
